Varicose veins are a highly common vein condition in which veins become twisted or enlarged, usually in the legs. While varicose veins are rarely life-threatening, they do cause significant discomfort. Luckily, there are many treatment options available to deal with varicose veins. Endovenous ablation, or laser therapy for varicose veins, is one of the most effective treatment options. If you would like to learn more about endovenous ablation therapy, and whether it’s right for you, continue reading below.
During endovenous laser ablation therapy, a small laser fiber is inserted into the vein using a needle. The needle is activated as the fiber is removed, which uses heat to seal off the damaged vein(s).
Once the vein is closed, the blood inside the vein is rerouted to other nearby veins, stabilizing the circulation.
Endovenous laser ablation therapy is minimally invasive and relatively quick. The procedure usually takes under an hour and can be performed in your doctor’s office, rather than an operating room.
Before the procedure, your doctor will conduct an ultrasound to map your varicose veins. This is used during the procedure to help your doctor guide the optic laser fiber used to seal your veins. Once the procedure is done, you can go about your day as normal. You will be required to wear a compression sleeve on the treated leg to help blood circulation, however.
Endovenous ablation therapy is a minimally invasive procedure. Most patients report little to no pain during treatment. A local anesthetic will be used during treatment on the affected area. This will numb any feeling along the vein while treatment is being administered. But the procedure only requires tiny incisions and is over quickly. Some patients report tenderness, swelling, or bruising following treatment. However, these side effects are not unusual and rarely last a long time.
During the procedure, your damaged veins will be sealed off by the heat of the laser. Eventually, the sealed-off vein is absorbed by the body, so it will never give you trouble again. However, other veins can become damaged in the future. If this happens, you can discuss undergoing additional endovenous ablation treatments with your doctor.
Laser therapy for varicose veins is usually an effective treatment option for anybody suffering from varicose veins. However, you should always discuss all treatment options with a doctor before deciding on an option. Endovenous laser ablation therapy is one of many vein procedures used to treat varicose veins.
Recovery from endovenous laser ablation therapy does not take a long time. Most patients are encouraged to go about their days normally following the procedure. Walking around soon after endovenous ablation can be good for circulation. You will be required to wear a compression sleeve on your leg, and doctors advise against overly-strenuous activities the day after therapy. But most patients can resume their daily activities with minimal disruption immediately after endovenous ablation therapy is complete.
If you believe Endovenous Laser Ablation therapy may be right for you, consider scheduling a consultation with BASS Vein Center. BASS Vein Center is part of BASS Medical Group and is located in Walnut Creek, CA. For over 15 years, BASS Vein Center has been providing the Walnut Creek area with world-class vein treatment for all types of vein conditions.
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